Bucks County hopes to help over 100 homeowners this year make needed repairs with the help of federal COVID relief funds, and officials said the eligibility for assistance is expanded beyond low-income residents.
Jeremey Newberg, the project manager for the county's Whole Home Repairs Program, announced that the program "intends to repair 120-150 homes in Bucks County," depending on final funding numbers.
It aims to provide qualifying households with repairs deemed "necessary" for health, safety and accessibility. Repairs can include weatherization, improving accessibility and other general home improvements.
The program, which began in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, assists homeowners by identifying and installing repairs to, "ensure safety and habitability, energy efficiency and accessibility for individuals with disabilities," according to the program's website.
Newberg said that the program hopes to target "particularly moderate income" homeowners.
He explained that moderate income homeowners sometimes do not realize that they are eligible for government programs and do not receive necessary benefits.
"The beauty of this program is that we have the flexibility to [help] that," by repairing homes owned by both low and moderate income homeowners. For example, a family of four making up to $91,750 could receive help.
Assistance is directly paid either directly to contrators or grant money or deferred payment loan, according to the county.
Applicants are required to provide documentation of ownership of the household, current real estate taxes and possession of homeowner's insurance, as well as meet the household income eligibility guidelines.
Applications close Aug. 15 at midnight. To apply for the program, homeowners must visit and register in the application portal, which can also be found on the program's website.
Those in need of a paper application should call the BCHRP Helpline at 267-899-6544 during the hours of 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Most Popular
Comments / 0